I had a number of goals at the start of the new year.  Some goals will hopefully make me a better person, and some goals...will just help me get something done.  One of the goals was to blog at least once a week.  It is nice to know I have already failed that goal...less pressure for the future.  Oh wait, I mean I will work harder in the future.

Well, another one of those goals was organizing my sewing room.  At the end of last year, it seriously looked like a tornado was trapped in that room.  Christmas didn't help, I was constantly trying to make new gifts, but without the time to clean up what I was working on.  

So, after the new year I went to work.  I started with buying more shelves.  I hope that getting more shelves, means that I can be more organized, and have a place for the things I am working on.  You can BARELY see the shelves I bought in the second picture, on the right hand side.  They are just the little cube shelving you build yourself, and the blue baskets/boxes...they are from the 99cent store.

After two...yep, it took me two full days, the task was done.  No, I didn't make it look pretty, but it is functional, again.  

This is the view from the doorway....a  lot less cluttered.  I know a before shot would be nice, but I just couldn't take pictures of what it looked like (the horror).  Just imagine bins full of fabric, quilts, and batting.  I am not proud of this.

I look at this picture, and I am not impressed, it really doesn't look clean, but it is.  I promise.  The only thing I didn't do was clean up those shelves full of fabric.  And, just because I want to brag....that quilt hanging over the chair is done...DONE.  It only took a year. I know, I am awesome.

Oh, the closet.  If you only knew what a mess it was before.  This is amazing now.  The shelves line one wall, the bins above hold finished quilts, and there is room to walk in it.  Ahhh, the joy of clean living.

Okay, so the clean up effort didn't result in magazine worthy organization, or beautiful containers, or any inspiration worthy of "Where Women Create,"  but this is my actual workplace, where I create.

And, today.... I actually quilted, for 2 hours.  

Small victories.

Book Review : another Bite of Schnibbles

another Bite of Schnibbles
by Carrie Nelson

I love all the quilts by Carrie Nelson.  She designs the kinds of quilts I like to make.  They are all pieced, which is my very favorite part of quilting, and all her designs are amazing.  Each design works well in whatever fabric preference you have, which is the true test of great designing.  For each quilt design there are two patterns:  you can make the quilt using 10" squares or using 5" squares.  I love that for each quilt, you get to see 2 colorways because she makes them with different precut lines.

My favorite? The Getaway pattern is really fun.  It can blend well, or it can be striking and stark.  I love it.  I think it would be perfect for all my stacks of precuts.  Yes, I have stacks of precuts waiting and longing for me to make use of them.   If you are like me with stacks of fabric waiting to be sewn and cut, you should totally get this book.  You will love it.

Book Review of back to Charm School

by Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene

There are 20 cute and fun quilts to make in this fun book.  All the quilts are small, table or wall sized, and they will take you very little time to whip up for yourself or a loved one.

My favorite quilt is the pattern called..."Don't Tip your Chair at the Table."  It is the fun method of piecing a quilt, and then cutting out squares and repiecing it to make it look wonky and like windmills.  I am a sucker for quilts made in a different and unique way.  I love it, and I totally want to try it out.

There are also patterns for a fun and funky pillow, and a super cute tree skirt.  You should totally check this book out.

Book Review of Urban Country Quilts

by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks

The cover quilt on this book is so super duper cute.   Check it out here.   I love it. I want to make it right now.  It is totally my style.  As I thumb through the pages of the book, there isn't one quilt that I don't like.  That is saying something!  All of these quilts are cute and fun.  They are traditional with a twist of modern that appeals to this young (ish) quilter.

There are patterns to make a variety of sizes of quilts, wool wall art, and pillow cases.  I love that there are a bunch of patterns to choose from, and I like all the instructions.  I really enjoyed learning how to frame the applique patterns.  I have been wondering how to do my own framing for awhile, and now I have the information I need.   ya hoo!  I love having good information.

Book Review of everyday Handmade

by Cassie Barden and Adrienne Smitke

I love the idea behind these everyday Handmade books.  I love the return to making things yourself.  Everything from wallets, bags, stuffed animals, aprons, etc...  Returning to self reliance, to giving gifts made from the heart, to spending time and energy to make something special, it all kinda makes my heart go pitter pat. 

If you are looking for an easy project or something a little more complicated, this book has something for you to try out.  I SOOO want to make the messeger bag, but I know it is going to take hours (something I don't really have).  But, the cute fun iPad case I could totally take care of in 1 hour.

Go to amazon and check out all the projects.  I guarantee there is something there you will just have to make!

Book Review of Fast and Fun First Quilts

by Sara Diepersloot

I loved it when my sweet kiddos saw this book on our counter.  Mitchell leaned over to me and asked me if I wrote this book.  After I said no, he said, "Did she steal the name of your book?" ....the answer is NO!  Okay, it is similar, but this book wanted to stay away from the flirty idea which has earned me some funny looks.  I guess the other Sara is a little smarter than me.

Okay, onto the Book Review. This book has 18 fun projects to choose from.  The author clearly loves large scale prints (as do the rest of us quilters), and the fabric does most of the work here, so you don't have to.  Any quilter who needs to get a quilt done in a hurry will love these quilt designs, they are perfect for weekend projects, and great first quilts for those who are beginning their addiction to this fun art.Check it out....and have fun.

After getting my super cute business cards printed from WHCC.com I had to make a business card holder to take care of them.

I found a great tutorial on The Crafty Cupboard.

The only real difference with mine, is I used laminated fabric as the outer fabric.  Yes, a little hard to work with, but it will stay cleaner.  And, we all know that mothers with 4 little children need all help we can get.  ALL THE HELP!!!!! ( am I getting this across...my children have been messy lately, breaking more things than I would like to say, but at least I can protect some stuff....like all important business cards)

Okay, to not scare you off, I have to say this project took me 1 hour.  That is it.  I was even acting as a parenting referee for part of the time, and trying to get dinner on the table.  If I can do it, you can!

All my supplies.

I marked the center to put my button in by folding 

the fabric in half.  You probably didn't need that explanation,

but someone did...and this is for them!

Showing all the layers, ready to go...yep, that is a

red hair elastic for the clasp.

Maybe it is just me, but sewing on laminated fabric,

especially Moda's is challenging.  It is thick, and 

doesn't glide well.  Oh well, the seams were almost perfect.

Clip those edges.  I almost always forget to do this 

before I turn the edges.

The finished project.  Everything looks

way better after a good ironing (on the non-laminated

side of course)

 Closed.....

Open....those are my cute cards inside.